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REPORT 



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WITH ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS. 



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REPORT. 



To the Senate and House of Representatives : 

Gentlemen : — I herewith transmit to you the Report of the 
Trustees of the University of Mississippi, with accompanying 
documents, and respectfully ask (or it that consideration which is 
due to a subject of such vital importance to the educational inter- 
ests of the State. JOHN J. PETTUS. 



To the Honorable the Legislature of the]^State of Mississippi : 

The Trustees of the University of the State, in compliance 
with the provisions of law, beg leave respectfully to present the 
following report : 

The condition of the University as an educational Institution, 
is at the present tima eminently satisfactory; and the prospect of 
its future usefulness is in the highest degree encouraging. Good 
order and attention to study, have continued uniformly to distin- 
guish the student body, since the date of the last report ; and it is 
believed that no sister institution, in this State, or any other State 
of the Union, is at this time characterized by a higher grade of 
scholarship, or by the prevalence of a better moral tone, than 
mark at present the University of Mississippi. 

The number of students on the University rolls, at the date of 
this report, is one hundred and ninety-nve ; of whom thirty-three 
are members of the Department of Law. Allowing for additions 
on and after the first of January next, at about the proportion in- 
dicated by past experience, the total number for the current ses- 
sion, will probably reach more than two hundred and twenty. The 
tendency of things is now manife-stly toward a steady increase of 
numbers, with each succeeding year. 

In administering the affairs of the University, it has been the 
aim of the Trustees, so far as the means placed at their disposal 
would permit, to concentrate within ti e Institution all the instru- 
mentalities for imparting knowledge, and i'or cultivating the men- 
tal powers of youth, which are necessary to create a seminary of 



learning of the very highest class. The history of the University, 
from the beginning, has been therefore one of progress — a pro- 
gress which, though it has been by no means slow, is yet not com- 
plete. In order that the existing state of the Institution may be 
understood, it seems to be necessary briefly to recapitulate the 
measures of improvement which have been successively adopted ; 
and to indicate some of those which remain to be introduced or 
perfected, that the University may ultimately, in all particulars 
occupy, as it already does in some, a position in the front rank of 
American Seminaries of Learning. 

The University was opened for the reception of students in the 
autumn of the year, 1848. It was, at the opening, without a li- 
brary, without apparatus, in any department of science, without 
illustrative collections in Natural History, Mineralogy, or Geolo- 
gy, or any of those auxiliaries to instruction which address the eye, 
and contribute so much and so deservedly to the popularity of the 
collegiate institutions which possess them. The existence of these 
serious deficiencies was only owing to the want of means to sup- 
ply them, s'nce all the resources placed at the disposal of the 
Board, had been exhausted in providing buildings for the accom- 
modation of the students and their instructors, and for the daily 
scholastic uses of the University. 

The want of scientific apparatus was, to a ceitain extent, tem- 
porarily provided for by the election of a Professor of Chemistry, 
and Natural Philosophy, who was himself possessed of a some- 
what valuable collection in these branches ot science. The other 
deficiencies remained for a time unprovided for in any manner. 
The first purchase of books for the library, was made in 1850, 
and amounted only to the moderate sum of seventeen hundred 
dollars. It was some years later before even a few specimens of 
the more common mjinerals and rocks were obtained, to serve as 
the beginning of a cabinet. 

In the year 18.53, the apparatus in Philosophy and Chemistry, 
which had up to that time, served the purposes of the University, 
was removed, in consequence of the resignation of the Professor, 
to whom it had belonged. During the year or two following, 
some moderate expenditures were made or the purchase of the 
most indispensable articles of this desciiption ; but the condition 
of the University in regard to all branches of physical science 
was exceedingly embarrassed, and was less respectable than that 
of neighboring Colleges, endowed only by private munificence. 

At the annual meeting of the Board ol Trustees, held in July, 
1855, this state of things was a aubject of anxious consideration : 
and, in conclusion, it was resolved to present to the Legislature, at 
their next ensuing session, a memorial setting forth the wants of 
the University, and praying for relief. Such a memorial was ac- 
cordingly presented ; and in response to its petition, the Legisla- 
ture saw fit to pass an act granting the sum of twenty thousand 



dollars per annum for the period of five years, to be applied to the 
purposes specified. 

With the means thus placed at their disposal, the Trustees have 
endeavored, in the most effectual and most expeditious manner 
which their judgment suggested, to provide those important aids 
to instruction, without which indeed thorough instruction is, in 
many branches of knowledge, impossible. In proceeding to state, 
in detail, the several measures of improvement which they have 
adopted or inaugurated, they have only to regret that, in the exist- 
ing state of the facilities for transportation between the seat of 
Government and Oxford, they cannot expect, as they had hoped, 
that the Legislature, as a body, can be induced to visit the Univer- 
sity, and judge of it from personal examination. They feel con- 
fident that the results ot such an examination could not but be 
satisfactory, both as to the amount which has been accomplished, 
and as to the manner in which the several improvements have 
been executed. 

One of the first applications of the increased resources of the 
Board, was to the purchase of apparatus for the experimental 
illustration of the various branches of Natural Philosophy and 
Chemistry. Orders were very carefully prepared, after an exam- 
ination of the best collections in this country, and a deliberate 
study of the requisites which the existing state of science demands. 
These orders were put into the hands of the best constructors in 
their several specialities, both at home and abroad ; and they have 
been for the most part executed, and executed to the satisfaction of 
the Board. The superior character of the workmanship, and the^ 
scientific merit of the articles themselves, are best attested by the 
admiration which they have invariably excited on the part of all 
the men of science who have visited the University. Appended 
to this report, in the form of a descriptive catalogue, will be found 
a list of some of the more important articles here alluded to, 
marked A. 

A cabinet of specimens for the illustration of Mineralogy and 
Geology, was the next object of attention. In making this pro- 
vision, the Board were especially fortunate in obtaining, at a very 
reasonable price, a choice collection made by Francis Markoe, of 
Washington, D. C, formerly Secretary of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tution, — a collection which had been examined and highly recom- 
mended by the most distinguished mineralogists in the country. 
A cabinet of Shells, was at the same time purchased, from Dr. 
B. W. Budd, of New York City, one of the most indefatigable 
collectors our country has produced ; which is believed to be more 
full in genera than any other public collection in the United States, 
and which has been appraised at a value more than double its 
cost. 

In order that the acquisitions made in the modes just stated,, 
might be most advantageously turned to account, the necessity 



presently appeared of providing apartments or buildings, more 
suitable for their use in the course of instruction, tbUn any which 
had been hitherto erected. The considerable expense which it 
was manifest must attend this provision, imposed upon the Board 
the necessity of postponing in a great degree the measures which 
they bad contemplated for the increase of the University Library. 
Some moderate additions have nevertheless been made : and a 
nucleus has been created for the formation of a special library 
for the Department of Law. To render the library what it should 
be in an institution of the grade of the University, — to fender it, 
that is, a collection and depository of whatever is valuable in the 
world of letters and science, in order that the scholars and inves- 
tigators of Mississippi, however large their aspirations, may have 
■within their reach every auxiliary to research which is available 
to the scholars and votaries of science in other States and other 
lands, — very much yet remains to be done, which can only be ac- 
complished by a contiiiuance of those provisions of law which have 
permitted so much to be done already in strengthening the Univer- 
sity in other particulars. 

The constructions just alluded to, which have been made for 
the purpose of enlarging the facilities for giving instruction in Sci- 
ence, have related principally to the Departments of Chemistry, 
Mineralogy, and Geology, and of Natural Philosophy and Astro- 
nomy. The Chemical Laboratory, as originally constructed, was 
on entirely too contracted a scale ; and owing to some errors in 
its interior arrangements, was very imperfectly lighted. It was 
manifestly indispensable at once greatly to enlarge it, and to alter 
its plan. At the same time, as the number of the apartments de- 
signed for class-recitation, had become inconveniently small for 
the increasing number of departments of instruction, as well as 
of students, it was regarded as being at once convenient and advis- 
able so to plan the enlargement as to provide for both necessities 
at the same time. An addition was accordingly made to the main 
building of the University, increasing its length by thirty-six feet ; 
which has not only secured the desired advantages, but has much 
improved the external appearance of the building. 

For the Department of Natural Philosophy and Astronomy, a 
building wholly new was required ; and this is, at the present 
time, on the point of completion. That portion of it which is ex- 
clusively devoted to Physics, has been entirely finished and in use 
for more than a year ; but the astronomical portion is not yet quite 
completed, nor have the Board been able, with the means imme- 
diately, or under existing laws in prospect, at their disposal, to 
contract for the necessary instruments to put it to use. The plan 
of the Observatory embodies the best features of the Russian Im- 
perial Observatory at Pulkova, (which is the most complete, per- 



haps, in the world) and of that at Harvard University, in Massa- 
chusetts : and when provided with its instruments, will be without 
a superior for its purposes on this Continent. 

While carrying into effect the measures here specified for ele- 
vating the character and increasing the efficiency of the Univer- 
sity, as a School of Science and Letters, the Trustees have not 
been without demands upon their resources, for the enlargement 
of the accommodations necessary for both students and officers, 
and for improving generally the material comforts of the colle- 
giate community. The erection of an additional dormitory for 
the reception of students, was an early and indispensable neces- 
sity, A similar necessity existed for the construction of a second 
boarding-house or Commons Hall. These buildings have been 
completed ; and have been in actual use, the former for the two 
sessions preceding the present, and the latter for one. 

The dwellings for Professors, four in number, originolly erected 
upon the College grounds, were early found to be inconvenient in 
point both of dimensions and arrangement, for the accommodation 
and comfort of families. To remove these causes of inconven- 
ience, wings have been added to each, by which they have been 
rendered much more suitable for the purposes for which they were 
designed. 

It is probably known to the Legislature, that since the loca- 
tion of the University on the Section which it occupies, 
the supply of water from wells on that section has totally failed. 
But two modes present themselves of remedying the evil ; — the 
one, to make an Artesian bore, and the other to construct a large 
number of cisterns. The first expedient involved some uncer- 
tainty of success ; while its probable expensiveness was not un- 
certain at all. The second was, accordingly adopted ; and since 
the construction of the cisterns, the supply of water has been un- 
failing and sufficient. 

During the year just past, the attention of the Board has been 
directed to the importance of providing some aids to the physical 
as well as the mental development of the young men in the un- 
dergraduate department of the University. They have accord- 
ingly authorized the construction of a gymnasiumufor the encour- 
agement of exercise during the hours devoted to recreation ; and 
this will now be probably ready for use before the close of the 
month of December. Some slight retardation of the work of 
construction has occurred from the difficulty of securing the prompt 
delivery of materials, especially lumber, when ordered for occa- 
sional purposes. 

It is matter of satisfaction that the students have manifested a 
very general inierest in this improvement ; and that, already, 
athletic exercises are becoming daily more popular among them. 

In addition to the subjects of expenditure here enumerated, the 



* '^,. 



8 

repair of all the University buildings has required some outlay, 
while the enclosure of the grounds has been an item involving 
sufficient expense to entitle it to mention. 

A statement from the Treasurer will be found among the docu- 
ments accompanying this report, marked B ; in which the amounts 
expended under the several heads above mentioned are distin- 
guished from each other ; and the manner of application of the 
special appropriations made by the Act of February, 1856, to the 
purposes specified in that Act, is exhibited. These purposes are 
not yet fully secured : and while very considerable progress has 
been made, it, is manifest that they cannot be so, without some ex- 
tension of the provisions of that Act, or the enactment of some 
substantially equivalent substitute. The observatory is still un- 
provided with instruments ; and instruments of a characte. accor- 
dant with the character of the structure, and such as the fulfillment 
of the design of the Board will require, which is to associate the 
institution creditably with those others in this country and abr ad 
which have made the observation of the heavens a part of their 
plan, are only to be obtained at considerable expense. The libra- 
ry, moreover, as has already been stated, is yet but an humble col- 
lection of books. It is outnumbered by the libraries of probably 
a majority of the respectable Colleges in the country ; and 
vastly outnumbered by all those which claim to stand in the first 
class. The increasing number of the students — for a steady in- 
crease may now be looked upon as inevitable — will render the 
erection of additional accommodations unavoidable within a very 
few years ; possibly within one, since the present buildings are 
sufficient for only two hundred undergraduates. The Law School 
has increased until it has becone a burthen too heavy for a single 
instructor to bear, without an amount and constancy of labor ruin- 
ous to health ; nor if this were otherwise, can the school fairly 
compete w^ith those of neighboring States, provided with larger 
law Faculties, unless it be strengthened by the addition of at least 
another chair. The demand is also beginning to be heard, for a 
Medical School under the direction of this Board of Trustees, as 
a branch of their Uuniversity. This subject has even been 
deemed of sufficient importance, to be brought to the notice of the 
Legislature, by a former distinguished incumbent of the Executive 
Chair of the State. 

Finally, it cannot be questioned that the sense of the people of 
Mississippi favors and demands the elevation of the University to 
the grade of its teaching, and the development of it into a school 
such as its name denotes— a school of universal instruction. This 
is what is understood by a University in the old world. It is a 
kind of institution which the intellectual advancement of the age 
on this continent, requires to be created here as well as there. 
That the necessity of it is felt among ourselves is evidenced in 



those movements which we see occasionally made, within the Le- 
gislature and without, looking to the creation at the University of 
chairs or schools of special instruction, in Practical A griculture, 
in Agricultural Chemistry, in Civil Engineering, in Mechanics, 
and other subjects of knowledge, all of which have their place in 
the plan of University development to which this Board of Trus- 
tees has committed themselves ; and which, to the extent of their 
means, and with as much expedition as is consistent with the doing 
well whatever they do, they purpose steadily to carry out. But 
for their ability to do so, they must look to the Legislature for their 
continued support. 

The law of 1856. the law making special provision for Univer- 
sity improvement, expires by its own limitation early in 1860. 
In anticipation of that event, some movements were made in th& 
Legislature, at the session held in November last, designed if pos- 
sible to secure a thorough investigation of the history of the en- 
dowment, ani of the present condition of the Seminary Fund: in 
order to provide a basis for a stable policy of management of the 
affairs of the University, and to render it practicable to lay down 
in advance, a definite programme of development. These move- 
ments resulted in the passage of a resolution providing for the ap- 
pointment of a Commissioner to investigate the whole subject, 
and to report to the Legislature at ihe present session. Such a 
Commissioner was appointed ; and the Trustees fully confiding in 
iiis ability and integrity, were prepared to accept, on their part, 
his expected report, whatever might be its conclusions. Unfortu- 
nately, however, at a da}' too late to allow a substitute to be pro- 
vided, the Commissioner resigned his appointment, without having 
made any progress in the investigation ; while it is obvious, from 
the magnitude of the requisitions in the resolutions, that the infor- 
mation cannot be obtained within the period to which the session 
of the Legislature will extend. Thus, there is an apparent danger 
that the resources of the University will be largely curtai led, ata 
moment when this mislortune must have a paral}'izing influence 
upon its prosperity, upon its usefulness, and upon the growth 
of its reputation. The Trustees, therefore, venture respectfully 
to suggest that, inasmuch as the failure of the report demanded by 
the Legislature did not occur through any fault of theirs, the law 
of 1856 should be extended in its operation until such time as a 
Commissioner to be now appointed shall make the required re- 
port, and the Legislature shall have made it the basis of some 
permanent provision for the support of the. University. 

That the measures of improvement of which some imperfect 
sketch has been given in the foregoing statements, have not only 
added vastly to the efficiency of the University itself, as a school 
of letters and science, but have contributed greatly to elevate it 
in the estimatioa of the men who hold the highest positions in iha 



10 

scientific world throughout our country, might be made evident by 
the citation of many facts. One or two of these may suffice for 
illustration : 

At the present meeting of the Board, the Chancellor of the 
TTniversity has laid before them a communication, transmitting a 
written proposition, from Prof. A. D. Bache, the accomplished 
Superintendent of the American Coast Survey, to the University 
of Mississippi, to become associated in a concerted system of 
magnetical and meteorological observations, which are about to 
be set on foot at a great number of scattered stations throughout 
the world, under the sanction of the British Admiralty, the Brit- 
ish Association for the Advancement of Science, the American 
Coast Survey, the Smithsonian Institution, and other bodies and 
institutions interested in the progress of science. This proposi- 
tion, from a source so distinguished, implies a high compliment to 
the University, and a recognition of its power to contribute, as is 
the avowed ambition of its officers, something immediate and pos- 
itive toward the promotion of scientific discovery. The papers 
alluded to are appended to this report, for the more particular in- 
formation of the members of the Legislature, in the document 
marked C. They embrace the communication of Chancellor Bar- 
nard, the letter of Prof Bache, and in addition to these, a -etter 
from Dr. Joseph Henry, the eminent pBysicist uho directs the 
affairs of the Smithsonian Institution, enforcing the proposition, and 
expressing his great interest in its success. 

In addition to this it may be mentioned, that a series of con- 
certed observations upon the motions of the moon, with a view 
to a more perfect determination of the figure of that body, and 
also the more perfect correction of the lunar tables, has been go- 
ing on for two or three years, at the principal observatories of this 
country, as well as some of those of Europe ; and that computa- 
tions of the phenomena to be observed, with accompanying star 
maps, have been regularly sent to the observatory of the Univer- 
sity, from the beginning, in the hope of its co-operation. This 
Co-operation, which has thus far been impracticable, owing to the 
incomplete condition of the observatory, will now son be possible; 
and will furnish another immediate means of associating the Uni- 
versity of Mississippi with the progress of science in the world. 

Specimens of the star maps alluded to accompany the appended 
document C 

All these things depend, however, for their realization, upon 
the continued possession by this Board of the means neces- 
sary to carry out to completion the plans which are thus far so 
happily advanced. It is therefore respectfully but earnestly re- 
quested, that some legislative provision may be made to maintain 
the existing income of the University, until such time as the Le- 






11 

gislature may see fit to determine the amount equitably due to the 
Seminary Fund. 

All which is respectfully submitted. 

JOHN J. PETTUS, 

President Ex-Officio. 
I. N. DAVIS, 

J. ALEXANDER VENTRESS, 
JAMES BROWN, 
C. P. SMITH, 
W. L. SHARKEY, 
CHARLES CLARK, 
JAMES M. HOWRY, 
JOHN J. McRAE. 
Jackson, Nov. 24, 1859. 



12 
DOCUMENT B. 

No. 1. 



SUMMARY of expenditures for improvements at the University 
of Mississippi under the law of 1856. 



Received firom State Treasurer four annual payments 
of $20,000 

Paid on Chemical Apparatus • $ 3,650 

" Philosophical " 12,195 

*' for Shells of B. W. Budd 1,000 

" for Minerals of Maicoe 3,120 

« for General Library, {J. B. Cobb,). . . 3,000 
" for Law Library, thro' W. F. Stearns, 2,000 

for Enlargement of Laboratory 6,817 

for Observatory as far as paid 20,920 

for New Pormitory 1 1,000 

for Improvement of Dvveliings, 2,213 

for New Commons Hall 12,603 

for construc'n of Cisterns and materials 907 
for miscellaneous, Fences Gymnasium, 575 



u 



$80,000 



— $ 80,000 



13 



DOCUMENT B—(Contmued.) 
No. 2. 

There remains to be expended under the law of 1856, as follows : 

Last installment ^ 20 000 

Against which are bills payable, due or to 
fall due under existing contracts. 

Secretan, Paris for apparatus $ 3,500 

H. Bitter Bielefeld, Prussia , 300 

M. Barlow, on Planetarium • • « • 200 

McDonald and Clinton, Architect 100 

Worrel &; Co., Iron Manufacturers 850 

E. S. Ritchie, Phil. Instruments « 700 

D. Van Nostrand, Library and Gen'l Agent. 350 

Advances by Dr. Barnard, due 1,750 

by E. C. Boynton 1,000 

Due Supt. of Construction 3,000 

" P. Boling, for Carpentry and Material. . 5,000 

*• Riggs and McMahon 1,000 

Lumber, bills &c • 750 



^^Balance to be expended 



$ 18,500 
$ 1,500 



[DOCUMENT. C] 



To the Honorable, the Board of Trustees 

of the University of Mississippi : 

Gentlemen : — T herev/ith transmit a communication received 
from Prof. A.. D. Bache, Superintendent of the American Coast 
Survey, inviting the co-operation of the University of Mississippi 
in a series of observations, principally magnetical, in which the 
observers of all nations are about to embark, with the support and 
assistance of several of the Governments of Europe, and of the 
Coast Survey and Smithsonian Institution in our country. This 
invitation was first extended to me in a less formal manner, some 
time in the month of July last ; but inasmuch as its acceptance 
was impossible without certain provisions which could only be 
made by the Board of Trustees, I suggested to Prof. Bache the 
propriety of giving to it such shape that I could lay it regularly 
before your honorable body. 

The apparatus which is necessary for this species of observation 
is entirely special, and the building in which it is to be used — 
though required to be of only moderate dimensions — say 16 by 
20 feet — has to be apart from other buildings, and constructed 
without iron. At the Washington Magnetic Observatory, the 
apartment is a subterranean excavation — being preferably such in 
consequence of the uniformity of temperature thus obtained. The 
building or excavation, would be a matter of inconsiderable expense 
with us. The instruments would cost, according to the accom 
panying estimates of Prof. Bache, about one thousand dollars, 

The proposition made to the University to join in this scientific 
enterprise, is in itself highly flattering, whatever may be the 
acceptance which it receives. It indicates more decidedly than 
any mere language of compliment could do, the estimation in 
which the University is beginning to be regarded by the scientific 
men of the country ; and their convictions of what may be justly 
expected of it in behalf of the progress of scientific discovery. 
To accept it, moreover, would be attended with, what seems to 
me, no slight advantage, the immediate association of this Insti- 
tution with aJ those organizations which, in this or in other lands, 
are engaged in promoting the advancement of knowledge ; and 
the necessary extension of its reputation throughout the scientific 
world. The effect of this upon the consideration in which the 
State itself will be held, by those who judge her, as most thinking 
men will, by the Institutions which mark her intellectual character, 



15 

is something of value which will, in my judgment, be lightly pur- 
chased at the cost of the appropriations asked for. 

It had been my design, in presenting this subject, to go into 
some detail in regard to the history ofmagnetical observation 
and discovery, and in regard to the considerations which render 
a solution of the difficulties still connected with it, a matter of 
importance. My health, however, for the past month or more, 
has been such as to interfere almost wholly with my use of the 
pen ; and I must confine myself to a very brief statement. The 
directive power of the magnetic needle seems to have been known 
in the eleventh century. The deviation of the needle from the 
true north, commonly called the variation, was known at least as 
early as the 13th. The fact that the variation is different in dif- # 

ferent places, is commonly supposed to have been discovered by 
Columbus, during his first great voyage of discovery. During the 
following, or 16th century, the change of the variation in the same 
place, began to attract attention. During the 17th, some of the 
greatest minds the world has produced, such as those of Newton, 
Huyghens, Hooke and Halley, were directed to the study of these 
phenomena without sensible progress. About the close of this 
century was made the first attempt at the systematic investigation 
of the problem which was ever set on foot under the patronage of 
a government. A public armed vessel was placed under the com. 
mand of Dr. Halley, to enable him to visit every sea and every ^ 
coast accessible to navigation : and in this ship he made two suc- 
cessive voyages, visiting nearly every part of the known world. 
His magnetic charts, however, published in 1701, very soon, in 
the steady progress of change, lost their value ; while the causes 
of change remained undiscovered. The eighteenth century 
brought to light the daily variation of the needle, without deter- 
mining its laws ; and also greatly improved the instrumental means 
of observation. Toward the close of this century, the illustrious 
Humboldt personally interested himself in magnetic observation in 
the equatorial rpglons of this continent ; and during all his later 
life, the subject remained among the uppermost in his thoughts — 
the great combined systems of observation which have marked 
our own time having been in truth mainly due to his recommen- 
dations and efforts. "The first public magnetic observatories in 
the world were, in fact, erected by the Emperor of Russia, orUhe 
recommendition of Humboldt. In 1817, Prof. Hansteen, of 
Christiania, N'orway, demonstrated the fact that the earth has lour 
magnetic poles ; and in 1820, Sir David Brewster pointed out the , 
renTarkable connection between the magnetic poles and the poles 
of greatest cold. Here was the firs' indication of a mutual de- 
pendency between magnetism and climate. 

The. connection between magfielism and the aurora boreali, 
has also occupied the attention of the observers of our own days / 

and has come to be regarded as one of the most curious and diffi- ' 



16 

cult, if not of the most important, subjects connected with this 
investigation. 

Recently, the discovery by Faraday, of the magnetic properties 
of the atmosphere has thrown some important light on the theory 
of terrestrial magnetism ; and the detection of great magnetic 
disturbances, called by Kumboldt " magnetic storms," has added 
to its diffiulty. 

In the year 1833, the illustrious mathematiciauj Gauss, pre- 
sented to the scientific world a method of instrumental observation, 
and of the mathematical rendition of observations, which imparted 
to the investigation of this subject a character of exactness which 
it had not before possessed i and it is in general in conformity 
with his methods that a great many of the concerted observations 
of recent years have teen made. 

Previously to these concerted efforts, however, public or private 
munificence had done much to promote the accumulation of infor- 
mation on the subject. The Russian Government, at Humboldt's 
request, established, in different parts of its extensive territory, 
three or four magnetic stations. The Imperial Academy at St. Pe- 
tersburg established one also at that capital, and another at Pekin, 
in China. The French Minister of Marine erected one in Ice- 
land. Mr. Arago established another, at his private expense, in 
the heart of Mexico ; and still others in other quarters were set 
on foot by friends of science, one of which was at a depth of 
thirty-five fathoms beneath the earth's surface, in the mines of 
Freiberg — a position chosen at the request of Humboldt. 
|;«The modern associated efforts date from the year 5836, from a 
letter addressed by Humboldt to the Duke of Sussex, urging the 
erection of magnetic observatories in the dependencies of the 
British Empire. The Royal Society of London, and the British 
Association for the Advancementof Science, united their influence 
in support of this recommendation ; and the government, in con- 
sequence, organized what has been properly denominated, " the 
most gigantic scientific enterprise that had ever been conceived." 
The expedition to the Antarctic regions, under Sir James Ross, 
was a part of this enterprise. 

Seven magnetic observatories scattered over the widely sepa. 
r ited dependencies of the British Crown were set on foot by the 
Almirality; and four others by the East India Company. The 
British Government furnished, also, instruments lo four other 
observatories, not within its own dominions. The Government of 
Russia lent its aid to this great enterprise, by establishing eight 
observatories : and besides ihese twenty or thirty others were 
erected by other European Governments, and at stations in 
America. 

All these establishments went into operation about the year 
1840. The instruments m nearly all of ihem were of the same 



17 

description, and made their records automatically, by photographic 

ZT ^rr'^r' «';h^««' ^rom the Smitbson a.f Cvatory 
are herewith suhmitled. ■-'u.civatorj. 

After Ihe lapse of some years, the resulting otiservations made 
at lhenumero,„.ta;ions, were reduced, and severally dcus^d by 

has been the^ discovery of mtereslin^' laws regulating Ihe annarent 
anomaltes of terrestrial magnetism f ando. a'con ec. on b'e^^'en 
the periods of magnetic disturbance, and ihe visible aspect of the 
•un, as regards the spots on its surface. ^ 

But for the complete elucidation of this whole subject it is 
necessary that the concerted observatlo.,s, which have been dis 
conttn.ted since about 1850, should be renewed, and f!llowe3 up" 
r possible, from a greater number of stations than befoTe At 
the request of the British Association for the 4dvancement of 
Science, the British A.imirality has consented lo le d s a?d to 

InZZSu ""' ^■"7^?^" P°''' S""--^ «»d "•« Smithso- 
nian li siit,.t.on have joined in ihe undertaking likewise It U 

ZsI'lV """" ""■'' °''°" ■■'™'"'"«''' ln..i.utirns may do 

lllThU'l '^'''""'"^ °V''f <="""«<="■<'» of magnetism with 

^te has been mentioned above. Sabine's association of the 
ge rioda with those of the solar spots, has corroborated 
this dicovery nwj"uu!TM?!?i^iiit»^^'*'^ ^^ evidence. Ii has done 
more, for it has shown the depen^/'iK^y of terrefetrial magnetism 
upcn extra-terrestrial causes ; a truth sfilL,^u»ther demonstrated by 
the additional discovery of magnetic periods- dependent on the 
moon. Ihe progress cf these magnetic investigations is, there- 
fore, revealing truths which may yet be of great importance in 
the theory of physical astronomy ; while at the ?ame lime, in 
many points of view, they will serve to give certainty to specula- 
tions upon the future as well as the present histoiy of our planet. 

Nor is it impossible that ihey may have some more immediate 
and practical bearing upon the interests of men ; since the ex- 
periment of the year 1658, upon an ocean telegraphic wire of 
great length, though unsuccessful for the time, served, while the 
insulation lasted, to show that the practicability of employing so 
extended rontinuvius lines, will alw ays be d+^pendent upon our proper 
understanding, and our ability to counteract the magnetic influencev 
ot ihe earth. 

To ourselves, however, the chief interest of the present questiov 
arifies from the consideration, that, to join in this concerted system 
of observation, will give us ai once a practically recrgnized 
icientific standing in the eyes of the world, the value of which 
ap[>ear8 to me to be very great. 



magnet 



18 



The British observations will crmmenc.e on the 1st of January, 
1860. Those of other countries, so soon as instruments can b» 
obtained, and proper accommodations prepared. 
I am, Gentlemen, 

Yours, Most RespeciftiHy, 

F. A. P. 15ARNARD, 

Pres't University Miss^ 



Coast Survey Office, > 
October 3 1st, 1859. f 
Dear Sir: You are aware that extensive arrangements are 
makintr for a new combined series of maLnietic and me eor ologu 
cal ..vTservations directed, so as to strengthen the coclusions and 
fill up the deficiencies in icated by the discussions of the k>rm-r 
series, and to give new information in regard to the changes ot 

long period. ^ . . .,, 

The Coast Survey and Smithsonian Institution will co nB^yate 
in this new system of observations, and it would be vy-x?^-^ ^^f^^^^ 
position which your Univerfiity desir^-jio "take in regard to science 
toco operate in the solution o(t\,ese interesting prctblems. 

The instruments for4'€!gistering by the photographic progress 
the magnetic charige's, in declination (variation,) and intensity 
cost us between * 900 and SIOOO. The daily labor of keepiRg 
(be registers at work would amount to perhaps 2^ hours. The 
portable instruments for magnetic surveys and absolute determin- 
ation of declination, dip and intensity cost S50t). 

You have, I believe, from Mr. Hilgard, the cost of a small build- 
ing in which to place the self registering instruments. 

The location of your observatory, so far in the interior of the 
continent would render the results of observations of ve?y consider- 
able value, and I trust, therefore, that you will address the Trus- 
tees of the University of Mississippi on the subject, with a view to 
obtain their cooperation. 

Professor Henry of the Smithsonian Institution, has expressed 
to me his interest in this matter, and his intention of addressing 
y<iu in regard to it. He is at present absent Irom the city, on 
duties connected with the Light House Board, and I have thought 
it best, therefore, not to delay longer writing to you. 

Yours very respectfully and truly, 

A. D. BACHE. 
President, F. A. P. Barnard, 

University oi Mississippi 



19 

Smithsonian Institution, } 
Washington, Nove'aaber 14, 1859. ) 
Hon, F, a. P. Barnard — 

President of the University of Mississippi : 
Dear Sir — I received some time since, a letter from Mr. Hil- 
gard, informing me that you intend to propose to the Trustees of 
the University ofMississipp', to establish in connexion with your 
institution, a series of photographic magnetic observations, and I 
write to express the hope that your request will be complied with. 
Nothiilg, I am sure, would be received with more pleasure by the 
physicists of this country and Europe than the announcement of 
the fact that such a system of observations had been established 
in your locality. 

While magnetic observations and magnetic surveys have been 
instituted in almost every part of the old world, our continent is 
yet comparatively a blank in regard to a knowledge of the char- 
acter and position of the lines of magnetic force as well as of the 
periodical and fitful variations to which these lines are subjected. 
I hope, therefore, the Trustees, in accordance with their usual 
liberality in furnishing apparatus for the Institution under their 
charge, will appropriate the necessary means for carrying out 
^our important proposition. 

I remain very truly your friend and servant, 

JOShPH HENRY, 

Secretaiy S. I. 



T?P^OLrfTI0N PASSED BY THE AMERICAN AS- 
^C^GiItLO^ FOR THE ADYANCEMENT OF 
SCIENCE AT SPRINGFIELD, AUGUST, 1859. 

Resolved That the American Association for the Advancement 
of S-ience 'regard with great interest the eff .rts makmg by the 
Briti^sh \ss.»ciation lor the promotion of S ri^^nce, to mduce the re- 
establishment of the Colonial Magnetic Observations for a new 
seriesofsim.iltaueous ma^netical and m 'teorological observations. 

Resolved 2 That the ofticers of the As ociaiion he requested 
tocommuaicate this resolution to the offi-ers ot the British Asm, 

''t"ue copy. (Attest.) JOSEPH LOVERIVG 

'^ Pert, P3e» 




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